Psalm 92:1-4 – It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Host High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. (NIV)

It was a lovely day with a good breeze blowing, and our seven-year-old son decided to try to fly his new kite. After he got it aloft and felt the tug of the kite, it suddenly broke free and disappeared over the rooftops in our suburban neighbourhood. Our son ran into the house very upset, and it was suggested that he ask God for help to find it. We decided to drive around to see if we could locate it. In the next block over, we came upon a man in his yard with the kite in his hand. Our son eagerly jumped out of the car to claim it, and thanked the man for rescuing it. When returning home, I observed our son at the old upright piano where he began to press a few piano keys until he had a pattern of notes. He then got a piece of paper and wrote down these simple words: "Jesus answered my prayer, and I love Him!". Later, he showed me the paper and played the notes. It was his simple thanksgiving psalm! It was his natural and spontaneous joyful response.

This memory has stayed with me through many years. I often think of it when I realize that God has heard my prayers, and I think about how He has answered. Sometimes, it is a quick and direct answer to a simple prayer, and sometimes, it is a different answer than I expected to an oft-repeated prayer that was not quickly answered. I am filled with praise for His love and His faithfulness each time. I want to lift my voice and sing. No longer is there a piano in the house on which to compose a worship song spontaneously, but the simple song of "Jesus answered my prayer, and I love Him!" still echoes in my mind. Isn't it wonderful that God made us with the human need to express our praise when we see that God has acted upon our request or when we see what He has done!

More recently, I've become convinced of the fact that I need to thank and praise Him in advance for all that I do not see yet of God's faithful actions. He is at work behind the scenes constantly. He never slumbers or sleeps.

John 5:17 – Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." (NIV)

Prayer: Our gracious heavenly Father, we are amazed to see the ways in which You reveal Your love for us. Help us to be alert to recognize Your constant activities for us and in us and through us. Help us to respond quickly with our thanks and praise. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Lundquist <lundquistsharon4@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA
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